§ Mr. Mainwaringasked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the depression in Rhondda, the Commissioner of Special Areas has had sites cleared such as may be acquired by new industries; and, if not, can he say if such clearance may be looked for in the future?
§ Mr. E. BrownFactories have been provided by the Commisioner for the Special Areas for new industrial undertakings which are now in operation at Ynyswen and Porth. In reply to the second part of the question I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Abertillery (Mr. Daggar) on 2nd March, to which I have nothing to add.
§ Mr. Mainwaringasked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the number of the insured population in Rhondda, the number employed and unemployed, respectively, to the 1st April, 1921, and the same date in 1939?
2541W
§ Mr. E. BrownFigures are not available for any year earlier than 1923, and the total number of insured persons can only be given in respect of July in any year. The table below gives the numbers of insured persons in respect of whom unem-
Year. — Estimated number insured at July. Number recorded as unemployed. April. June. 1923 … … Aged 16 and over … 55,940 1,554 1,138 1938 … … Aged 16–64 … 36,950 13,015 13,716 1939 … … Aged 16–64 … — 11,758 — NOTE.—The figures for 1938 and 1939 given above exclude persons within the Agricultura Scheme.